14th Annual Peterson Homebrew Fest
I’ve known about the Peterson Homebrew Fest for a number of years now, and for one reason or another, I just haven’t gone, until this year that is. I wonder what the heck my problem was? Whatever it was, I’ll be pretty surprised if I miss another one.
Why you ask? Here are some reasons for you:
- It’s pretty cheap to get in. This year it was $20.
- It’s the only event I’ve heard of where Homebrewers can pour their own beer.
- Lots of great beers!
- Friendly people who love to talk about beer.
- They had food too! Included in the price!
- It’s Local
- It supports a great Homebrew Club.
Yes, in short, it was a great time for a reasonable price.
Along with the pouring and tasting of beer, there’s also a homebrew competition that goes along with the festival. Judging takes place a couple of weeks before the festival, and I helped move entries around for the judges this year. I would guess there were about 300 entries this year. Every entry consisted of 2 bottles of beer / mead / cider, and they break out all the entries that weren’t already opened for sampling during the festival.
Anyone who entered that would be receiving a medal gets notified that they were selected for something, so many of them showed up with the beer that they entered. The awards ceremony takes place about an hour after the festival starts, and afterwards the winners are wearing their medals.
Along with the local contingent, there were a good number of homebrew clubs that made the drive to Colorado Springs in order to participate.
I had a number of really good Kolsch, Brown, Pale Ales, and Scottish Ales. An amazing Banana Pepper beer, and a cider made with a Saison yeast really stuck in my memory, but really, there were so many good beers it wasn’t funny.
It was also really great to talk to all of the homebrewers about how they made their beer, what processes they use, and any special tips. Many times when I’m at a beer fest, the person pouring may not have much info on the beer, but that wasn’t a problem here. If anything, the great conversation slowed my sampling rate 😉
There were a small number of vendors there, we had some good conversations with the guys from Bristol and Red Leg brewing, and Fermentations Homebrew Shop as well.
The only thing that may prove to be a hiccup for anyone who wants to attend is that you have to enter your information onto a Base Access list, at least a couple of days before the festival, in order to get on base.
Overall, it was a really great experience, and I highly suggest it anyone who likes beer / cider / mead. Next year I’ll try to post about it in advance to help spread the word.
